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Autumn Escape Offer

Enjoy a peaceful two-night stay at Shillingford Bridge Hotel from 23rd September to 4th December, with breakfast included and a bottle of Prosecco waiting in your room on arrival. Plus, receive a 10% discount on all lunches and dinners in our Riverview Restaurant. Rooms start from £169 for two. To book please use the promo code SBHAUTUMN24 booking on our website to enjoy this exclusive offer! 

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Discover our offers this Christmas...

Celebrate the festive season with our Christmas offers at Shillingford Bridge Hotel. Enjoy special stay offers, festive menus, Christmas Day, tribute nights, New Year’s Eve. Discover more now!

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Book Direct for our Best Price & Free Parking

We have plenty of exclusive benefits when you book directly on our website! Enjoy free parking, the best rate guarenteed and free breakfast.

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A warm welcome SINCE 1608

Our History

A Legacy Spanning Over 400 Years
The history of Shillingford Bridge Hotel, a Georgian Coaching Inn built in the 16th century, is deeply intertwined with the rich heritage of the surrounding area. Set between the ancient woodlands and vast countryside between Oxford and Henley, the hotel offers stunning views over a quiet stretch of the River Thames. Over the years, Shillingford Bridge Hotel has continued to offer a unique experience to visitors. With 40 individually styled bedrooms and an unmatched riverside location, Shillingford Bridge continues to be a cherished destination for travelers seeking history, beauty, and relaxation. Scroll down to learn more about our storied past.

A Brief History of Shillingford Bridge

1379

Records indicate that the crossing was made by boat until the construction of a timber bridge.

1530

The ferry service at Shillingford was run by Roger Hurst, the Porter of Wallingford Castle, and remained a free service for the Castle’s porters until this year.

1545

Roger Hacheman leases a small dwelling on what was then the Berkshire (south) bank, which would later become the Swan Inn.

1608

Roger Hacheman leases a small dwelling on what was then the Berkshire (south) bank. The dwelling expands and is established as the Swan Inn, which is now known as the Shillingford Bridge Hotel.

1749

William Blackstone, a lawyer and frequent traveler to Oxford, petitions Parliament for the construction of a bridge to avoid the longer detour over Wallingford Bridge during floods.

1767

An Act of Parliament receives royal assent to allow for “the repair and widening of the road from Shillingford in Oxfordshire through Wallingford and Pangbourne to Reading in Berkshire, and for building a bridge over the River Thames at or near Shillingford Ferry.” 1767 The wooden bridge officially opens on April 25, financed by a £7,700 loan from the Turnpike Trust, covering the purchase of ferry rights and the construction of the bridge.

1827

The bridge falls into disrepair and is closed, leading to the reinstatement of the ferry service while the current stone bridge is constructed. Shillingford Bridge, built entirely of stone, began construction in 1827. It features a central arch and two side-arches spanning the river, with additional small arches on the Oxfordshire side to manage floodwaters. The Shillingford Bridge Hotel, situated near the bridge on the Berkshire side, enhances its scenic beauty. The southern approach down Shillingford Hill naturally slows motor vehicles as they pass the hotel.

Historical Significance

One of the earliest mentions of the UK’s 'drive on the left' rule is found in this act, which imposed fines of 20 to 40 shillings for anyone failing to keep their carriage on the left-hand side. This bridge, therefore, not only connects two counties but also plays a notable role in British transportation history. Image source: River & Rowing Museum Collection. Photographed by Henry Taunt c1870. From a collection of views along the River Thames photographed by Henry Taunt.


Our History

Illustration by Samuel Ireland (1744 – July 1800), English author and engraver.

There is a deep history within both the hotel and the bridge itself. The bridge has records which suggest the presence of a bridge on the site in the 14th century but this structure was short-lived and the crossing was made by ferry from at least 1379 until a timber bridge was built in 1767 and changed to stone in the 1800s. A testament to the British history of the location.

Illustration by Alfred William Rich, 1911.

“The light and elegant bridge of Shillingford, with the variety of carriages that are continually passing and repassing, aided by the gliding objects on the water beneath, greatly add to the natural beauty of the landscape. In this delightful retreat the skilful angler finds high gratification in his pursuit, and ample sources of contemplation.” – Samuel Ireland

Nearby Places

Explore & experience
the magical places nearby our hotel

There is plenty of things to do in our area! Wallingford’s centre is just a 5-minute drive away, while Oxford can be reached in 20 minutes by car. Windsor Castle is 50 minutes’ drive away, and Dorchester is less than 10 minutes away from the hotel by car.


Check out our renovation plans
More things to do

Contact us

Address: Shillingford Hill, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8LZ 

Telephone: 01865 858567

Email: [email protected]

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